WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — After a gut-wrenching 32–28 Homecoming loss to Glenville State last weekend, the West Liberty University football team is looking to regroup and respond when it hosts Fairmont State on Saturday at West Family Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

The Hilltoppers (2–6, 2–3 MEC) came within a few plays of upsetting the league-leading Pioneers, who entered the game atop the Mountain East Conference standings. Head coach Roger Waialae said his team left it all on the field against one of the region's best. "I thought we competed," Waialae said. "They're a first-place team in our conference, and if a couple calls or a couple of breaks go our way, it's a completely different story. It's not like they totally outplayed us or it was a mismatch on film — I've never felt that way against anybody we've played. "We're a very talented but very young team. Young isn't an excuse, but we keep maturing week by week, and that's giving us opportunities to win games. That one was kind of a kick in the gut because sometimes things are out of your control."

West Liberty's offense has been led by junior running back Hunter Patterson, who has been one of the most productive players in the MEC this fall. Over his last three games, Patterson has rushed for more than 500 yards and seven touchdowns, while quarterback Antevious Jackson has added balance through the air and on the ground.

Defensively, the Hilltoppers continue to make strides despite significant turnover and inexperience throughout the lineup. "They've been resilient," Waialae said. "At the beginning of the year, we were playing so many new guys defensively. Junus McGraw was the only one in the secondary with real experience. 

Guys like Jamison Holliday, Carson Moore, and Grant Neiswonger are getting their first extended time, and you can just see the improvement every week. "Up front, Bre'Andre Horsley and Grant Thompson are the only two who had real playing time before this year, and at linebacker, Nolan Shimp and Sawyer VanMatre have really stepped up. VanMatre was a high school quarterback, and now he's started all season at linebacker. It just shows how much growth and maturity this team has had."

That resilience will be tested again this weekend when the Hilltoppers face a dangerous Fairmont State (4–4, 1–4 MEC) offense. "First, you've got to start with their offense — they're so explosive," Waialae said. "Either of their running backs can take it and go at any time. 

The quarterback's a veteran who spreads the ball around. They give you a lot of different looks with multiple tight ends, and everything is RPO, so we have to play option-responsible football. "The key for us offensively is taking care of the ball. We've been successful when we don't turn it over. We've relied on the run game, but we have to improve in the passing game — hit those open receivers when they're there. And really, the best way to keep their offense from scoring is to keep them off the field."

Special teams could also play a key role in Saturday's matchup. "Our special teams have been playing well," Waialae said. "We had one bad snap last week, but overall the return game was good. You have to at least break even in the special teams battle to give yourself a chance to win games."

Saturday's contest will mark the 91st meeting between West Liberty and Fairmont State, one of the oldest rivalries in the Mountain East Conference. Last year's matchup went down to the wire, with the Falcons pulling out a 36–35 win in Fairmont.

Despite the ups and downs of a challenging season, Waialae believes his team is trending in the right direction as November approaches. "The biggest thing is our maturity," he said. "We've been through injuries and lineup changes, but these guys keep fighting. Every week, they're learning, competing, and putting themselves in position to win."

By the Numbers

• Series: Fairmont State leads 45–40–5
   

• Last Meeting: Fairmont State 36, West Liberty 35 (2024)
   

• West Liberty Offense: 536 rushing yards, 7 TD from Patterson in last 3 games
   

• Defensive Leaders: Shimp (61 tackles), Thompson (8.5 TFL) (4 sacks)
   

• Key Stat: West Liberty ranks among MEC's top three in fewest turnovers and time of possession